Anglesey, St. Tysilio (Menai Bridge) and Eglwys Cwyfan (Aberffraw)

St Tysilio is thought to have established a hermitage on a small island in the Menai Straits called Ynys Tysilio (Church Island) which became a church in the early 15th century and extensive renovations made in the 19th century (sometimes open). There are views of both Telford’s and the more modern bridge from the island and there are also war graves. It can now be reached by a small causeway. We continue along the Belgian Parade for a close up view of Telford’s bridge and a coffee break in the town.

We will start the second part of the day in the historic village of Aberffraw which between the 9th and 13th centuries the Princes of Gwynedd held court, making it the capital of North Wales. St Beuno’s Church, in the village is a double-naved church of the later medieval style. The building dates from the 12th century and is a Grade 2 listed building. There were extensive alterations made in 1868.

We Walk along the coast path beside the beautiful estuary and pass the headland of Trwyn Du where we will pass the remains of an early Bronze Age burial mound dating back to 1500 BC which was built on the site of a much older settlement thought to date back to around 7000 BC. There can also be views towards Snowdonia.

We come to Eglwys Cwyfan (St Cwyfan’s Church), situated on a tiny island called Cribinau just offshore. Founded in the 12th century, much of the building today dates from the 14th century, and it still holds the occasional Sunday service. We are not planning to visit the church (which is usually closed) or visit the island but take advantage of the views across the water on this occasion.